July 14

Entering The King's Service

Listen, O daughter! Consider and incline your ear: Forget your people and your father’s house, and the king will desire your beauty; bow to him, for he is your lord. — Ps 45:10-11 BSB

This Psalm was likely written to celebrate a royal marriage, but its meaning goes beyond the immediate occasion. It has a prophetic character and points to Christ the King. It is quoted in Hebrews 1:8-9 and can certainly be appropriated as directly addressing our Lord, who is our rightful King.

Christ’s kingship rests on these foundations:

The Righteousness of His Rule. His scepter is one of uprightness, not iron. He loves righteousness and hates wickedness, and because of this, His throne stands firm. He claims the loyalty of all pure and upright hearts. How different the world would be if all leaders recognized that right makes might!

The Gladness of His Reign. A heart ruled by righteousness is a joyful heart. Jesus teaches us that holiness is not a source of gloom but the wellspring of lasting joy. Though He was a Man of Sorrows, He also had an abiding joy, much like flowers blooming beneath the snow. Christian joy should be as attractive as the joy of our King, a hallmark of His reign and His subjects.

The Love of His Heart. The bride willingly forsakes her own people and family for the love of the King. Likewise, when we take Jesus as our King and Husband, we should be ready to count everything as loss for His sake. Jesus said, “Whoever does not forsake all cannot be My disciple.”

“He is your Lord.” We are reminded that no matter how deeply we feel Christ’s love for us, we must honor Him as our King. Reverence is the best foundation for true love. We will never fully understand His salvation until we recognize and accept Him as King. “Your King is coming to you, bringing salvation.” “He is exalted as Prince and Savior.” Lift up your heads, O gates of Mansoul, and the King of Glory will come in! (Revelation 3:20).

Prayer

In all things, attune our hearts to the holiness and harmony of Your Kingdom. Hasten the day when Your Kingdom will come, and Your will is done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.